Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is seen on a screen as he attends a news conference in Beijing, China March 11, 2022 (REUTERS)

On Friday, China assured the European Union that it would seek peace in Ukraine.

Premier Li Keqiang told EU leaders that Beijing would push for peace in its "own way," while President Xi Jinping expressed hope that the EU would treat China "independently," referring to Europe's close ties with the US.

During the virtual summit with Li and Xi, the EU warned Beijing not to allow Moscow to avoid imposed Western sanctions.

During a news briefing with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after the first EU-China summit since Dec. 30, 2020, European Council President Charles Michel said that "we called on China to help end the war in Ukraine. China cannot turn a blind eye to Russia's violation of international law."

"Any attempts to circumvent sanctions or provide aid to Russia would prolong the war," he added.

According to state broadcaster CCTV, Li told EU leaders that China has always sought peace and promoted negotiations and that it is willing to continue to play a constructive role with the international community.